Accident Overview
On December 11, 2024, approximately 1412 central standard time, a Cessna 182T (registration N127SL) and a Grumman American AA-5 (registration N5450L) were involved in a collision on runway 32 at Pearland Regional Airport (LVJ) in Pearland, Texas. Both aircraft were substantially damaged. The pilot of the Cessna 182T and the pilot and two passengers of the AA-5 were not injured. The Cessna 182T was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial observation flight, while the AA-5 was operating as a Part 91 personal flight.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot of the Cessna 182T, he was landing on runway 32 after completing aerial observation work. A pilot holding short of the runway alerted him over the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) that another airplane was following closely behind him. The Cessna 182T pilot attempted to expedite his exit from the runway at taxiway A3, but the AA-5 impacted the Cessna 182T.
The pilot of the AA-5 reported that the airplane required a “jump start” before departing from Scholes International Airport (GLS) in Galveston, Texas. About five minutes after departure from GLS, the airplane lost all electrical power. Due to the electrical failure, the pilot could not communicate over the CTAF or extend the airplane’s flaps. He navigated to LVJ using an iPad with ForeFlight software connected to a portable ADS-B receiver, powered by batteries independent from the airplane’s electrical system. While approaching LVJ, the pilot made visual contact with the Cessna 182T and followed it to runway 32, estimating he was about 1/4 to 1/2 mile behind the Cessna 182T in the traffic pattern. As he crossed the runway threshold, the AA-5 pilot reported that the Cessna 182T was slowing more than expected, and with the closure rate, he did not believe he could safely complete a go-around. He attempted to avoid a collision by veering toward taxiway A3, the same taxiway the Cessna 182T was using to exit the runway.
The AA-5 impacted the left side of the Cessna 182T, resulting in substantial damage to the AA-5's fuselage. The Cessna 182T sustained substantial damage to its fuselage and horizontal stabilizer.
Witness Observations
A pilot holding short of runway 32 stated that he observed the AA-5 following about 100 yards behind the Cessna 182T. He made a radio call over the CTAF to alert the Cessna 182T pilot of the AA-5’s proximity. The witness reported that the AA-5 pilot flew an unstable final approach, the airplane bounced on the runway after touchdown, and it veered left of the runway centerline before impacting the Cessna 182T. He also stated that the AA-5 pilot did not appear to attempt a go-around or to avoid the Cessna 182T while rolling on the runway.
Video recorded from inside the AA-5’s cockpit showed that the AA-5’s engine was operating normally during the approach and landing. The video did not show any evidence of the AA-5 pilot attempting to increase spacing between the two airplanes or conducting a go-around.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident visual examination of the AA-5’s electrical system components revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot of the AA-5 stated that he allowed the failure of the airplane’s electrical system to influence his decision to land as soon as possible, “at all costs.” He further stated that he should have executed a 360° turn while on final approach to add spacing between his airplane and the Cessna 182T.